Virgin Atlantic: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox_Airline | |
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airline=Virgin Atlantic Airways| |
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logo=Virgin Atlantic.png| |
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logo_size=263px| |
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fleet_size=38 (+27 orders)| |
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destinations=30| |
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IATA=VS| |
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ICAO=VIR| |
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callsign=VIRGIN| |
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parent=[[Virgin Group]]| |
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founded=1984| |
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headquarters=[[Crawley]], [[England]], [[United Kingdom]]| |
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key_people=[[Richard Branson]] ([[President]])<br>[[Stephen Murphy (Businessman)|Stephen Murphy]] ([[Chairman]])<br>[[Steve Ridgway]] ([[CEO]])| |
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hubs=[[London Heathrow Airport]]<br>[[London Gatwick Airport]]| |
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focus_cities=[[Manchester Airport]]| |
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frequent_flyer=Flying Club| |
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lounge=[[Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse]]| |
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alliance=| |
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website= http://www.virgin-atlantic.com| |
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}} |
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'''Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd.''' (operating as '''Virgin Atlantic''') is a [[United Kingdom|British]] airline which is owned by [[Richard Branson]]'s [[Virgin Group]] (51%) and [[Singapore Airlines]] (49%). It operates long-haul routes between the [[United Kingdom]] and [[North America]], the [[Caribbean]], [[Africa]], the [[Middle East]], [[Asia]], and [[Australia]] from its main bases at [[London Heathrow Airport|London Heathrow]] and [[London Gatwick Airport|London Gatwick]]. Virgin has a smaller base at [[Manchester Airport]]. The company holds a [[Civil Aviation Authority of the United Kingdom|United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority]] Type A Operating Licence, which permits it to carry passengers, cargo, and mail on aircraft with 20 or more seats.<ref>[http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?categoryid=183&pagetype=90&pageid=340 Operating Licence]</ref> Virgin Atlantic carried around 4.6 million passengers and made an annual profit of [[Pound sterling|£]]31.4 million in 2006.<ref name="2006pass">{{cite web |url=http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=80&pagetype=88&sglid=1&fld=2006Annual | title=2006 UK Airline Statistics | work= UK CAA | accessdate= 2008-03-09 }}</ref><ref name="2006profit">{{cite web |url=http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=80&pagetype=88&sglid=13&fld=2006_2007 | title=UK Airline Financial Tables: 2006 2007 | work= UK CAA | accessdate= 2008-03-09 }}</ref> |
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==History== |
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===Conception and birth=== |
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In 1982, [[Randolph Fields]], an American-born lawyer, and [[Alan Hellary]], a previous chief pilot for [[Laker Airways]], set up British Atlantic Airways as a direct successor to Laker Airways. |
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Fields got the idea of setting up an airline flying from [[London]] to the [[Falkland Islands]] in June 1982, when the [[Falklands War]] had just finished and there was an apparent need for such a service.<ref>West Sussex County Times, Friday, January 20, 1984 Page 1</ref> However, Fields needed more expertise and so contacted Alan Hellary, Laker Airways' former chief pilot, who had apparently thought about establishing a regular, commercial air service linking the UK and the Falkland Islands at the same time. Hellary was still in contact with many former colleagues who were out of work following the collapse of Laker Airways. These people continued working on the aforesaid idea. |
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[[Image:virgin atlantic a340-600 g-vyou arp.jpg|thumb|left|[[Airbus A340-600]]]] |
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Unfortunately, the short runway at [[Port Stanley Airport|Port Stanley]] and the time it would take to improve it made the scheme unviable. Therefore, the idea of flying to the Falkland Islands was dropped. Instead, Hellary and Fields decided to try to secure a licence to fly from [[London Gatwick Airport|London Gatwick]] to [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|JFK Airport]] in New York. A three-day hearing was held in May 1983. However, their application was rejected after both [[British Caledonian]] and the [[BAA plc|BAA]] objected. |
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Despite the failure of the two earlier schemes, Hellary and Fields persevered, applying for a licence to fly between London Gatwick and [[Newark Liberty International Airport]], just outside [[New York]]. It was planned that British Atlantic Airways would use a 380-seat [[McDonnell Douglas DC-10|DC10]] to fly to Newark. However, faced with the prospect of direct competition from [[People Express]], a rapidly expanding post-[[deregulation]] "[[no frills]]" discount airline also based at Newark, they decided to secure additional funding before proceeding with their proposed new airline venture. |
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Fields met [[Richard Branson]] at a party in [[Central London]] during which he proposed a business partnership between Branson and himself to get his fledgling airline off the ground. After protracted and testy negotiations, Fields agreed to a reduced stake of 25% in the airline (renamed Virgin Atlantic) and became Virgin Atlantic's first chairman. (Following a series of disagreements over operational issues, Fields later agreed to be bought out for an initial sum of £1 million with further payment due upon Virgin's first dividend payment. As a result of a High Court action, this additional payment was received shortly before Fields' death from cancer in 1997. Fields also obtained lifetime Upper Class flying privileges for his immediate family and his mother, one of British Atlantic's early backers). |
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On [[June 22]] [[1984]] Virgin Atlantic operated its inaugural scheduled air service between London Gatwick and Newark Liberty using a single, leased [[Boeing 747#747-200|Boeing 747-200]] (G-VIRG) formerly operated by [[Aerolineas Argentinas]]. The airline became profitable during its first year of operation, aided by sister company [[Virgin Records]]' ability to finance the lease of a relatively inexpensive, second-hand Boeing 747. The firm also timed the start of operations to take advantage of a full summer's season, which included the June to September peak season - by far the most profitable travel period of the year. |
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===Formative years=== |
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In 1986, the airline added another Boeing 747 and started a second scheduled route from Gatwick to [[Miami International Airport|Miami]]. Additional aircraft were acquired and further routes were launched from Gatwick to New York-JFK (1988), [[Narita International Airport|Tokyo]] (1989), [[Los Angeles International Airport|Los Angeles]] (1990), [[Logan International Airport|Boston]] (1991), and [[Orlando International Airport|Orlando]] (1992). In 1987 a service was launched between [[Luton airport|Luton]] and [[Dublin Airport|Dublin]] using [[Vickers Viscount|Viscount]] turbo-prop aircraft, but this was withdrawn around 1990. |
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===Subsequent developments=== |
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[[Image:virgin atlantic b747-400 g-vbig arp.jpg|thumb|left|[[Boeing 747-400]] landing]] |
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In December 1999 [[Virgin Group]] sold 49% of the airline's holding company to [[Singapore Airlines]] for £600.25 million. Virgin Group still owns the remaining 51%. |
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In August 2002, Virgin became the first airline to use the [[Airbus A340|Airbus A340-600]]. [[Rolls-Royce Trent#Trent 500|Rolls-Royce Trent 500s]] power the [[Airbus A340|Airbus A340-600]]s (though this is the only engine option for the type) and the [[Rolls-Royce Trent#Trent 900|Trent 900]] will power [[Airbus A380]]s on order. |
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Virgin Atlantic carried 3.8 million passengers in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=80&pagetype=88&sglid=1&fld=2003Annual | title=2003 UK Airline Statistics | work= UK CAA | accessdate= 2008-03-09 }}</ref> This increased to 4.6 million in 2006, placing them seventh amongst UK airlines by this measure, but a clear second in passenger-kilometres, because of the long-haul nature of Virgin's operations.<ref name="2006pass"/> |
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During the [[2012 Summer Olympics bids]], Virgin Atlantic attached "London 2012" decals to the rear of many of its aircraft in support of London's bid. |
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Virgin volunteered one of its Boeing 747s for a test of [[biofuels]] in aviation. In February 2008, the aircraft flew from Heathrow to Amsterdam, with no passengers, and 20% of power for one engine was being provided by a plant-based biofuel, although the airline stated that would expect to use biofuels based on [[algae]] in future.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7261214.stm |source= BBC News |title= First biofuel flight touches down |access date= 24/02/08}}</ref> |
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==Growing rivalry with British Airways== |
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Virgin Atlantic has been a bitter rival of [[British Airways]] since its inception.<ref name="virginity">''Losing my Virginity - The Autobiography.'', Branson, R., Virgin Books Ltd., London, 2006 (2nd reprint), p. 362</ref> |
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===Background to opening up Heathrow=== |
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In January 1991, the UK Government opened the door for Virgin to operate from [[London Heathrow Airport]] when it decided to abolish the so-called "London Air Traffic Distribution Rules" in response to growing pressure from the industry. |
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===Virgin Atlantic's precarious financial position during the early 1990s=== |
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According to some industry insider reports, Virgin Atlantic was facing increasing financial problems at that time. This was primarily the result of a sharp reduction in demand for air travel caused by the recession of the early 1990s as well as by the public's heightened fear to travel in the aftermath of the first [[Gulf War]]. Britain's then [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] Government, which had presided over the spectacular collapse of the International Leisure Group (ILG) and its wholly owned subsidiary [[Air Europe]] resulting in 4,000 job losses<ref name="virginity"/> and was well aware that [[Dan-Air]] was teetering on the brink of bankruptcy during that time, was desperate to avoid the collapse of another prominent independent British airline, especially if its public profile was as high as Virgin Atlantic's. The Government was also conscious of the fact that many of these independent airlines' employees, whose jobs were threatened by the prevailing harsh economic climate at the time, lived in marginal Conservative constituencies. Therefore, the Government decided to let Virgin Atlantic into Heathrow by abolishing the "London Air Traffic Distribution Rules" despite facing mounting opposition from [[British Airways]], whose senior management was exerting pressure on the Government to maintain the status quo. |
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[[Image:virgin atlantic b747-400 g-vbig in planform arp.jpg|thumb|left|[[Boeing 747-400]] taking off]] |
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===The "London Air Traffic Distribution Rules"=== |
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{{Unreferenced|date=January 2008}} |
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The "London Air Traffic Distribution Rules" came into effect on [[April 1]], [[1978]] and were applied retroactively from the beginning of April [[1977]]. These rules were designed to achieve a "fairer" distribution of traffic between London Heathrow and London Gatwick, the UK's two main international gateway airports. The policy was aimed at increasing Gatwick's utilisation to help the airport make a profit. |
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The "London Air Traffic Distribution Rules" stated that airlines that did not already operate an international scheduled air service from/to Heathrow prior to [[April 1]], [[1977]] would not be permitted to commence operations at that airport. Instead, they would have to use Gatwick for all their London-based operations. However, airlines that did not already operate at Heathrow prior to this law taking effect could still commence domestic scheduled services at the airport provided that the BAA, which ran both Heathrow and Gatwick on behalf of the Government, as well as the incumbent Secretary of State for Transport granted them permission to do so. In addition, the "London Air Traffic Distribution Rules" banned all new all-cargo as well as all charter flights from Heathrow as of [[1 April]], 1978. |
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===BA's response=== |
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{{Unreferenced|date=January 2008}} |
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The decision to open up Heathrow to all newcomers - other than those governed by [[Bermuda II]] - angered BA's then chairman, [[John King, Baron King of Wartnaby|Lord King]], who stopped British Airways' donations to the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative Party]], which was in power in Britain at the time, in protest. Lord King was furthermore angered by the [[United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority|Civil Aviation Authority]]'s subsequent decision to transfer two pairs of unused slots British Airways held at [[Tokyo]]'s [[Narita International Airport]] to his archrival Virgin Atlantic to enable Virgin to increase its frequency between Heathrow and Tokyo from four to six weekly round-trips, thereby making it easier for Virgin to compete against British Airways in the highly lucrative business travel market. Lord King called the CAA's decision to transfer these slots to one of his rivals, which the Government had endorsed, "a confiscation of his company's property". |
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==="Dirty tricks"=== |
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{{Unreferenced|date=January 2008}} |
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The Government's decision to abolish the "London Air Traffic Distribution Rules" and to let a small, upstart airline like Virgin Atlantic commence operations at Heathrow in direct competition with British Airways then became the main trigger for BA's so-called "dirty tricks" campaign against Virgin. |
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In 1992 BA's PR director [[David Burnside]] published an article in "BA News", British Airways' internal staff magazine, which argued that Branson's protestations against British Airways were merely a publicity stunt. Branson sued British Airways for libel. BA settled out of court when its lawyers unearthed evidence of the extraordinary lengths to which the company went to try to "kill off" Virgin. BA was faced with a legal bill of up to £3m, damages to Branson of £500,000 and a further £110,000 to his airline. Branson divided his £500,000 amongst his staff in the so-called "BA bonus", each receiving £166. |
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[[Image:virgin.g-vhol.750pix.jpg|thumb|right|Virgin Atlantic Airbus A340-300]] |
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In the 1990s, Virgin Atlantic jets were painted with the words "No-Way BA/AA" in opposition to the attempted merger between [[British Airways]] and [[American Airlines]] [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1554140.stm]. |
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In 1997, following British Airways' announcement that it was to remove the [[Union Flag]] from its tailfins in favour of [[British Airways ethnic liveries|world images]], Virgin took advantage of the controversy provoked by introducing a union flag design on the winglets of its aircraft and changed the red dress on the "Scarlet Lady" on the nose of its aircraft to the union flag with the tag line "Britain's Flag Carrier". This was a "tongue-in-cheek" challenge to BA's traditional role as the UK's "flag carrier". |
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Relations with British Airways improved considerably with the arrival of [[Rod Eddington]] as BA CEO though the rivalry between the two airlines continued. Eddington replaced [[Robert Ayling]], a key player in the "dirty tricks" affair who was dismissed by [[Colin Marshall, Baron Marshall of Knightsbridge|Lord Marshall]], the long-serving BA chairman and Mr. Ayling's chief mentor, on behalf of BA's main institutional shareholders after BA had suffered its first net loss since privatisation on Mr. Ayling's watch during its 1999/2000 [[financial year]]. |
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In June 2006, a tip-off from Virgin Atlantic led US and UK competition authorities to investigate alleged price-fixing between Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. In August 2007, BA was fined a total of £271 million by the UK's [[Office of Fair Trading]] and the US [[United States Department of Justice|Department of Justice]] over the allegations. Virgin Atlantic was not fined for its involvement in the price fixing as it was given immunity for reporting the cartel to regulators. |
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== Destinations == |
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{{main|Virgin Atlantic destinations}} |
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Nearly 75% of Virgin's flights operate from [[London Heathrow Airport|London Heathrow]], with the remainder operating from [[London Gatwick Airport|London Gatwick]]. There are some services from [[Manchester Airport]] and one flight from [[Glasgow International Airport]]. |
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== Fleet == |
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Virgin Atlantic's fleet is composed of both Airbus and Boeing aircraft with an average age of 6.7 years as of March 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.planesregister.com/airline/Virgin%20Atlantic.htm |title=Virgin Atlantic fleet |accessdate=2008-03-10 |work= Planesregister.com}}</ref> [[Boeing 747-400]]s are used on all routes from Gatwick and Manchester. Boeing 747s and [[Airbus A340]]s are used interchangeably on routes from Heathrow. |
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In addition to having some Airbus A340-600 aircraft still on order, Virgin Atlantic also has both [[Boeing 787#787-9|Boeing 787-9]] and [[Airbus A380|Airbus A380-800]] aircraft on order that will be delivered beginning in 2011 and 2013, respectively. Originally, the A380 was expected to enter service in 2006 but was delayed until 2009 because of problems within [[Airbus]]. Virgin then deferred its order to 2013, arguing that it wanted the aircraft to prove itself before it put its own A380s into operation.<ref name="mw_20061026_vs">{{cite news | last=Goldstein | first=Steve | title = Virgin Atlantic to delay A380 deliveries until 2013 | publisher = [[MarketWatch|Dow Jones MarketWatch]] |date= [[October 26]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/Story.aspx?dist=newsfinder&siteid=mktw&guid=%7B36C4BA55%2D04B9%2D498C%2DAD80%2DBC596918E6C5%7D&link=&keyword=A380 | accessdate = 2006-10-26 }}</ref> |
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[[Image:Virgin Maintenance Hanger v2.JPG|thumb|right|Airbus A340 in maintenance]] |
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The 787 order was announced on [[April 24]], [[2007]], and it included an order of fifteen 787-9s with options on eight more and purchase rights on twenty more. The aircraft will replace Virgin’s older A340-300s and will enable network growth.<ref>{{cite news | title= Virgin Reveals Dreamliner order | work= [[Airliner World]] | page= 4 |date=June 2007}}</ref> Virgin has listed [[Rio de Janeiro]], [[Seattle]], [[Vancouver]], [[Bangkok]], and [[Melbourne]] as possible new destinations for the aircraft, while also stating that the 787’s long range would make non-stop operations from London to [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth, Australia]] and [[Honolulu, Hawaii]] economically viable for the first time in the airline’s history.<ref>[http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/pressoffice/pressreleases/news/pr240407a.jsp Virgin Atlantic Press Release] dated [[24 April]] [[2007]]</ref> Virgin announced its intention to increase its 787 order to twenty-three on [[July 8]], [[2007]], the day the 787 made its world debut, by converting its eight outstanding options into firm orders.<ref>http://observer.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,,2121039,00.html</ref> |
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Virgin is also in negotiations with both [[Boeing]] and [[Airbus]] over an order for ten high-capacity, fuel-efficient, long-haul, widebodied jets for the airline's Gatwick-based fleet. This could potentially be either a new order for the [[Boeing 747-8]] or an order for additional Airbus A380-800s. The decision is expected in May 2008. Deliveries of the new fleet are to begin in 2012, in time for the [[2012 Summer Olympics|2012 London Olympics]].<ref>[http://news.airwise.com/story/view/1192694699.html AIRwise.com, 18 October, 2007 - Virgin Atlantic In Talks Over 10 Long-haul Planes]</ref> |
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[[Image:virgin atlantic b747-400 lady penelope arp.jpg|thumb|right|[[Boeing 747-400]] “Lady Penelope“ special paint scheme.The Scarlet Lady has been moved to the back of the aircraft]] |
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Virgin’s aircraft are painted in a mainly red and silver livery that was introduced in October 2006 with the delivery of G-VRED, and will eventually adorn the entire fleet. Near the nose of each aircraft is a [[pinup girl]] motif designed by British artist Ken White, called a “Scarlet Lady”. White modeled the motif on the iconic World War II era pin-up girls of [[Alberto Vargas]]{{Fact|date=December 2007}}—hence the namimg of one of the fleet as ''Varga Girl''. The motif was updated with the addition of the 1999 Silver livery. Each one carries a [[Union Flag]] and has a unique name. The names are usually feminine, such as ''Ladybird'', ''Island Lady'' and ''Ruby Tuesday'', but are sometimes named after destinations. A notable exception is ''The Spirit of Sir Freddie''. It was named in honour of [[Freddie Laker]] of the defunct [[Laker Airways]], who helped get Virgin Atlantic up and running following the demise of his own airline. G-VFAB, ''Lady Penelope'', gained a special edition livery to celebrate Virgin Atlantic’s 21st birthday. The Scarlet Lady was moved to the rear of the aircraft, a Boeing 747-400, and the aircraft was temporarily renamed ''Birthday Girl''. |
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On [[September 27]], [[2006]], [[Richard Branson]], on behalf of Virgin Atlantic Airways, announced plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by cutting down on aircraft weight and fuel consumption. There was also an experiment to have aircraft towed to the runway to save fuel, but this has not resulted in a change of operational procedures.<ref>[http://today.reuters.com/news/ArticleInvesting.aspx?type=bondsNews&storyID=2006-09-27T193141Z_01_N27286580_RTRIDST_0_AIRLINES-VIRGIN-PICTURE-UPDATE-1.XML]</ref> |
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[[Image:virgin.atlantic.a340-600.g-vyou.arp.jpg|thumb|right|Virgin Atlantic [[Airbus A340-600]] G-VYOU ''Emmeline Heaney'']] |
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Two Virgin Atlantic aircraft are featured briefly in the James Bond film, ''[[Casino Royale (2006 film)|Casino Royale]]''. One [[Airbus A340#A340-600 series|Airbus A340-600]] (G-VWIN) and one Boeing 747-400-along with Richard Branson and Virgin Atlantic crew—are part of a scene at [[Miami International Airport]] (although the sequence was filmed at [[Ruzyně International Airport]] in [[Prague]]).<ref name="Virgin_James_Bond">"[http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/pressoffice/pressreleases/news/pr040706.jsp James Bond Seeks Out Virgin Atlantic for "Casino Royale" Assignment]," Virgin Atlantic press release, [[4 July]] [[2006]].</ref> |
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In November 2007, the [[Spice Girls]] announced that Virgin Atlantic would be the airline partner for [[The Return of the Spice Girls]] world tour. A promotional plane-naming competition was held to name the [[Boeing 747-400]] aircraft that the Spice Girls would travel on. In December 2007, G-VFAB was renamed ''Spice One''. |
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=== Current === |
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{{Details|Virgin Atlantic Airways Fleet}} |
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Virgin Atlantic’s fleet consists of the following aircraft as of August 2007: |
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<center> |
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{| class="toccolours" border="1" cellpadding="3" style="border-collapse:collapse" |
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|- bgcolor=ff9999 |
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!Aircraft |
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!Total |
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!Passengers <br> <small>(Upper/Premium Economy/Economy)</small> |
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!Notes |
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|- |
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|[[Airbus A340#A340-300 series|Airbus A340-300]] |
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|6 |
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|'''Suite''' <br> 240 (34/35/171) <br> '''J2000''' <br> 255 (40/28/187) |
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| |
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|- |
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|[[Airbus A340#A340-600 series|Airbus A340-600]] |
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|19 <br> (6 orders) <br> (13 options) |
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|308 (45/38/225) |
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|Deliveries: 2008-2009 |
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|- |
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|[[Airbus A380-800]] |
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|(6 orders) <br> (6 options) |
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| |
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|Entry into service: 2013 |
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|- |
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|[[Boeing 747-400]] |
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|13 |
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|'''LGW 1''' <br> 452 (14/58/380) <br> '''LGW 2''' <br> 451 (14/58/379) <br> '''LHR''' <br> 344 (54/62/228) |
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| |
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|- |
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|[[Boeing 787-9]] |
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|(15 orders) <br> (8 options) |
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| |
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|Entry into service: 2011 <br> [[Rolls-Royce Trent 1000|Trent 1000]] Engines<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/03/03/221966/virgin-selects-trent-1000-for-787s.html Virgin selects Trent 1000 for 787s] Flight Global, 03/03/08</ref> |
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|} |
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</center> |
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=== Retired === |
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In the past, Virgin Atlantic has operated a variety of aircraft. Its retired fleet consists of: |
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<center> |
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{| class="toccolours" border="1" cellpadding="3" style="border-collapse:collapse" |
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|- bgcolor=ff9999 |
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!Aircraft |
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!Total |
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!Notes |
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|- |
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|[[Airbus A320-200]] |
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|4 |
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|Operated for [[Virgin Sun Airlines]] |
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|- |
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|[[Airbus A321-200]] |
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|2 |
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|Operated for Virgin Sun Airlines |
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|- |
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|[[Airbus A340-300]] |
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|4 |
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| |
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|- |
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|[[Boeing 737-400]] |
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|1 |
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|Leased from and operated by [[Air UK Leisure]] 1993/94 |
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|- |
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|[[Boeing 747-100]] |
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|1 |
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| |
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|- |
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|[[Boeing 747-200]] |
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|14 |
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|G-VIRG was Virgin's first aircraft |
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|- |
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|[[Boeing 767-300ER]] |
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|1 |
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|Leased from and operated by [[Martinair]] 1996/97 |
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|- |
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|[[Vickers Viscount]] |
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|4 |
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|Operated for Virgin by [[British Air Ferries]] |
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|} |
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</center> |
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== Cabin == |
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All Virgin Atlantic aircraft are in a three-class configuration with [[Economy]], [[Premium Economy]], and Upper Class cabins. |
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=== Economy === |
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Economy is the standard coach class of Virgin Atlantic and has fairly standard amenities for a [[Legacy carrier]], such as free meals and drinks and a free amenity kit. Seats have a maximum seat pitch of 81 [[Centimetre|cm]] (depending on the aircraft type). In addition, updated economy seats have adjustable lumbar support, and are currently being installed across Virgin Atlantic’s fleet. |
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=== Premium Economy === |
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Premium Economy has a separate check-in area, priority boarding ahead of Economy passengers, a wider seat with more legroom than Economy, and additional cabin services such a preflight drink and dedicated cabin crew. As with Economy, in November 2006, Virgin launched an updated product with a wider seat that also supplies laptop power. It is being continually rolled out across the fleet starting with Heathrow-based A340 aircraft. As of February 2008 all A340s but one, G-VSUN, have the new product. G-VSUN will not have the new product until April 2008. The 747s based at Heathrow completed their refit by December 2007 and have an updated configuration of 62 seats all located downstairs.<ref>[http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/ourfleet/index.jsp?type=12 Virgin Atlantic 744 seating configuration 4]. Retrieved on [[October 20]], [[2007]].</ref> |
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=== Upper Class === |
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Upper Class is the equivalent of [[business class]] on all Virgin Atlantic Airways’ flights. Virgin does not offer a traditional [[First class (aviation)|First Class]] cabin service and Upper Class is denoted by the ''International Standard of Service'' class code '''J''', meaning “Premium Business Class”.<ref>[http://expediacorporate.com/daily/resource/support_aircodes.asp Expedia Travel Manager Resource Center]</ref> The Upper Class seat is claimed by the airline to be the biggest fully flat bed compared with any other airline’s business class service (it is approximately 202 cm long and 84 cm wide), however Singapore Airlines has made a similar claim.<ref>[http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/exp/new/businessclass/seatfeatures.jsp? Singapore Airlines "The largest full-flat bed in Business Class"]</ref> The seat offers in-seat laptop power and power leads for [[iPod]]s and Upper Class passengers have access to a [[chauffeur]], the clubhouse ([[Airport lounge|lounge]]), a larger menu than that of Premium Economy and Economy passengers, an in-flight bar, and in-flight massages. All but one aircraft (G-VSUN) in Virgin Atlantic’s fleet have the Upper Class suite, and as with the new Premium Economy product, G-VSUN will not have the suite until 2008.<ref>http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/whatsonboard/upperclass/upperclasstonairobi.jsp</ref> |
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=== In-flight entertainment === |
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All Virgin Atlantic aircraft offer personal seat-back televisions that provide various entertainment channels. Certain aircraft (some 747-400s and all A340-600s) have an Audio/Video on Demand (AVOD) system called V:Port. Older "Odyssey" and "Nova" [[In-flight entertainment|IFE]] systems can be found on various aircraft in the fleet. These have smaller screens and are constantly broadcasting audio and video on a loop rather than broadcasting on demand. |
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== Incidents and accidents == |
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[[Image:VIRG346NRT.jpg|thumb|right|Airbus 340-600 at Tokyo-Narita]] |
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*On [[5 November]], 1997, after numerous attempts to shake free the jammed main landing gear of an [[Airbus A340#A340-300|Airbus A340-300]] G-VSKY failed, the aircraft made an emergency landing at [[London Heathrow Airport]]. The aircraft and the runway were damaged as the landing gear collapsed. The aircraft was evacuated safely causing only minor injuries. |
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*On [[8 February]], 2005, onboard an [[Airbus A340#A340-600|Airbus A340-600]] aircraft (G-VATL) en route from [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]] to [[London Heathrow Airport|London]], the fuel control computer system caused a loss of automatic fuel transfer between tanks. The left outboard engine lost power, and shortly after the right outboard engine also began to falter until the crew began crossfeeding fuel manually. The crew diverted to [[Amsterdam Schiphol Airport|Amsterdam]], where a safe landing was made. The interim accident report made 4 safety recommendations addressed to the primary certification bodies for large transport category aircraft ([[European Aviation Safety Agency|EASA]] and the [[Federal Aviation Administration|FAA]]), advising on the need for a low fuel warning system for large aircraft. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aaib.dft.gov.uk/publications/bulletins/february_2006/airbus_a340_642__g_vatl.cfm | title= Airbus A340-642, G-VATL | work= UK AAIB | accessdate= 2007-07-26 }}</ref> |
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*On [[15 July]], 2006, G-VWKD (an [[Airbus A340#A340-600|Airbus A340-600]]), during take off at [[Hong Kong International Airport]], suffered damage because of a [[tailstrike]] and was forced to dump fuel in Hong Kong airspace and return to the airport for repairs. |
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== Slogans == |
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''Over the years, Virgin has used many slogans, including:'' |
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*''' "Mine's Bigger Than Yours"''' |
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Written on the back of the [[Airbus A340-600]]s because they are the longest passenger aircraft in the world |
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*''' "4 Engines 4 Longhaul" ''' |
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Originally an Airbus slogan when newer versions of the A340 were built until Virgin inherited the slogan. These were written on the engines of planes, because all Virgin's planes at the time were quad-jets as opposed to BA's long haul twin-jet [[Boeing 777]]s and [[Boeing 767]]s. The slogan was removed in 2006 because it "had run its course and it was time to move on"—Virgin would later order [[Boeing 787]] twin-jet aircrafts in 2007. |
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* '''"Avoid The Q" ''' |
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Used to advertise Virgin's [[London Heathrow Airport|London]] to [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]] to [[Kingsford Smith International Airport|Sydney]] service. The ''Q'' is a double entendre, referring to both [[Queue area|queues]] (with Virgin's online check-in feature) and [[Qantas]], which also operates the same route. |
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* '''"Keep Discovering - Until You Find The Best"''' |
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Used to promote the [[London Heathrow Airport|London]] to [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai]] service, playing with rival airline [[Emirates Airline|Emirates]]' slogan 'Keep Discovering' |
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*'''"BA can't keep it [Concorde] up!"''' |
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Written on the back of G-VFOX during June and July of 2003 after [[British Airways]] announced it would retire [[Concorde]] the following October. |
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*'''"No Way BA/AA"''' |
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Used in the late 1990s on several 747-400s to express Branson's displeasure with the proposed [[British Airways]]/[[American Airlines]] partnership. BA/AA combined held 100% market share on several US-UK routes (e.g. [[Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport|Dallas-Fort Worth]] to [[London]]), and a market share of more than 50% in several more (e.g. [[Chicago O'Hare International Airport|Chicago]] to [[London]], [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|JFK]] to [[London]]). |
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Others Include: ''"More experience than the name suggests," "Virgin, seeks travel companion(s)," "Love at first flight," "You never forget your first time," "Extra inches where it counts," "Fly a younger fleet," "One call does it all," "Hello gorgeous" and, in a campaign featuring [[Austin Powers]], "There's only one Virgin on this T-shirt (or bus, etc.) baby," and "Twice a day to London" in which Austin Powers is seen riding on the fuselage of a Virgin Atlantic 747. During that time G-VTOP was temporarily named "Austin Powered". |
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== Further reading == |
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*Gregory, Martyn. ''Dirty Tricks: British Airways' Secret War Against Virgin Atlantic''. New York: Virgin, 2000. ISBN 0-7535-0458-8 |
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*Bower, Tom. ''Branson''. UK: Fourth Estate, 2001 ISBN 1-84115-400-8 |
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*{{cite book|author=Branson, Richard | title=Losing my Virginity - The Autobiography | publisher=Virgin Books Ltd. | place=London, UK | year=2006 [2nd reprint] | id=ISBN 0-7535-1020-0}} |
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== See also == |
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*[[Virgin America]] |
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*[[Virgin Blue]] |
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*[[Virgin Express]] |
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*[[Virgin Galactic]] |
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*[[Virgin Nigeria Airways]] |
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*[[Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer]] |
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*[[V Australia]] |
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== References == |
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{{reflist|2}} |
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== External links == |
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{{commons|Virgin Atlantic Airways}} |
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*[http://www.virgin-atlantic.com Virgin Atlantic Airways] |
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*[http://www.v-flyer.com/ V-Flyer] customer-created site |
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*[http://www.airfleets.net/ageflotte/Virgin%20Atlantic.htm Virgin Atlantic Airways Fleet Age] |
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*[http://www.planespotters.net/Airline/Virgin-Atlantic?show=all Virgin Atlantic Fleet Detail] |
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*[http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?airlinesearch=Virgin%20Atlantic%20Airways&distinct_entry=true Photos of Virgin Atlantic Airways aircraft] |
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{{Virgin Group}} |
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{{Association of European Airlines}} |
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{{Airlines of the United Kingdom}} |
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[[Category:Airlines of the United Kingdom]] |
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[[Category:Airlines established in 1984]] |
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[[Category:Virgin Group|Atlantic]] |
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[[Category:IATA members]] |
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[[Category:Association of European Airlines members]] |
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[[Category:British brands]] |
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Revision as of 15:54, 19 March 2008
File:Virgin Atlantic.png | |||||||
| |||||||
Founded | 1984 | ||||||
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Hubs | London Heathrow Airport London Gatwick Airport | ||||||
Focus cities | Manchester Airport | ||||||
Frequent-flyer program | Flying Club | ||||||
Fleet size | 38 (+27 orders) | ||||||
Destinations | 30 | ||||||
Parent company | Virgin Group | ||||||
Headquarters | Crawley, England, United Kingdom | ||||||
Key people | Richard Branson (President) Stephen Murphy (Chairman) Steve Ridgway (CEO) | ||||||
Website | http://www.virgin-atlantic.com |
Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. (operating as Virgin Atlantic) is a British airline which is owned by Richard Branson's Virgin Group (51%) and Singapore Airlines (49%). It operates long-haul routes between the United Kingdom and North America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia from its main bases at London Heathrow and London Gatwick. Virgin has a smaller base at Manchester Airport. The company holds a United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority Type A Operating Licence, which permits it to carry passengers, cargo, and mail on aircraft with 20 or more seats.[1] Virgin Atlantic carried around 4.6 million passengers and made an annual profit of £31.4 million in 2006.[2][3]
History
Conception and birth
In 1982, Randolph Fields, an American-born lawyer, and Alan Hellary, a previous chief pilot for Laker Airways, set up British Atlantic Airways as a direct successor to Laker Airways.
Fields got the idea of setting up an airline flying from London to the Falkland Islands in June 1982, when the Falklands War had just finished and there was an apparent need for such a service.[4] However, Fields needed more expertise and so contacted Alan Hellary, Laker Airways' former chief pilot, who had apparently thought about establishing a regular, commercial air service linking the UK and the Falkland Islands at the same time. Hellary was still in contact with many former colleagues who were out of work following the collapse of Laker Airways. These people continued working on the aforesaid idea.
Unfortunately, the short runway at Port Stanley and the time it would take to improve it made the scheme unviable. Therefore, the idea of flying to the Falkland Islands was dropped. Instead, Hellary and Fields decided to try to secure a licence to fly from London Gatwick to JFK Airport in New York. A three-day hearing was held in May 1983. However, their application was rejected after both British Caledonian and the BAA objected.
Despite the failure of the two earlier schemes, Hellary and Fields persevered, applying for a licence to fly between London Gatwick and Newark Liberty International Airport, just outside New York. It was planned that British Atlantic Airways would use a 380-seat DC10 to fly to Newark. However, faced with the prospect of direct competition from People Express, a rapidly expanding post-deregulation "no frills" discount airline also based at Newark, they decided to secure additional funding before proceeding with their proposed new airline venture.
Fields met Richard Branson at a party in Central London during which he proposed a business partnership between Branson and himself to get his fledgling airline off the ground. After protracted and testy negotiations, Fields agreed to a reduced stake of 25% in the airline (renamed Virgin Atlantic) and became Virgin Atlantic's first chairman. (Following a series of disagreements over operational issues, Fields later agreed to be bought out for an initial sum of £1 million with further payment due upon Virgin's first dividend payment. As a result of a High Court action, this additional payment was received shortly before Fields' death from cancer in 1997. Fields also obtained lifetime Upper Class flying privileges for his immediate family and his mother, one of British Atlantic's early backers).
On June 22 1984 Virgin Atlantic operated its inaugural scheduled air service between London Gatwick and Newark Liberty using a single, leased Boeing 747-200 (G-VIRG) formerly operated by Aerolineas Argentinas. The airline became profitable during its first year of operation, aided by sister company Virgin Records' ability to finance the lease of a relatively inexpensive, second-hand Boeing 747. The firm also timed the start of operations to take advantage of a full summer's season, which included the June to September peak season - by far the most profitable travel period of the year.
Formative years
In 1986, the airline added another Boeing 747 and started a second scheduled route from Gatwick to Miami. Additional aircraft were acquired and further routes were launched from Gatwick to New York-JFK (1988), Tokyo (1989), Los Angeles (1990), Boston (1991), and Orlando (1992). In 1987 a service was launched between Luton and Dublin using Viscount turbo-prop aircraft, but this was withdrawn around 1990.
Subsequent developments
In December 1999 Virgin Group sold 49% of the airline's holding company to Singapore Airlines for £600.25 million. Virgin Group still owns the remaining 51%.
In August 2002, Virgin became the first airline to use the Airbus A340-600. Rolls-Royce Trent 500s power the Airbus A340-600s (though this is the only engine option for the type) and the Trent 900 will power Airbus A380s on order.
Virgin Atlantic carried 3.8 million passengers in 2003.[5] This increased to 4.6 million in 2006, placing them seventh amongst UK airlines by this measure, but a clear second in passenger-kilometres, because of the long-haul nature of Virgin's operations.[2]
During the 2012 Summer Olympics bids, Virgin Atlantic attached "London 2012" decals to the rear of many of its aircraft in support of London's bid.
Virgin volunteered one of its Boeing 747s for a test of biofuels in aviation. In February 2008, the aircraft flew from Heathrow to Amsterdam, with no passengers, and 20% of power for one engine was being provided by a plant-based biofuel, although the airline stated that would expect to use biofuels based on algae in future.[6]
Growing rivalry with British Airways
Virgin Atlantic has been a bitter rival of British Airways since its inception.[7]
Background to opening up Heathrow
In January 1991, the UK Government opened the door for Virgin to operate from London Heathrow Airport when it decided to abolish the so-called "London Air Traffic Distribution Rules" in response to growing pressure from the industry.
Virgin Atlantic's precarious financial position during the early 1990s
According to some industry insider reports, Virgin Atlantic was facing increasing financial problems at that time. This was primarily the result of a sharp reduction in demand for air travel caused by the recession of the early 1990s as well as by the public's heightened fear to travel in the aftermath of the first Gulf War. Britain's then Conservative Government, which had presided over the spectacular collapse of the International Leisure Group (ILG) and its wholly owned subsidiary Air Europe resulting in 4,000 job losses[7] and was well aware that Dan-Air was teetering on the brink of bankruptcy during that time, was desperate to avoid the collapse of another prominent independent British airline, especially if its public profile was as high as Virgin Atlantic's. The Government was also conscious of the fact that many of these independent airlines' employees, whose jobs were threatened by the prevailing harsh economic climate at the time, lived in marginal Conservative constituencies. Therefore, the Government decided to let Virgin Atlantic into Heathrow by abolishing the "London Air Traffic Distribution Rules" despite facing mounting opposition from British Airways, whose senior management was exerting pressure on the Government to maintain the status quo.
The "London Air Traffic Distribution Rules"
The "London Air Traffic Distribution Rules" came into effect on April 1, 1978 and were applied retroactively from the beginning of April 1977. These rules were designed to achieve a "fairer" distribution of traffic between London Heathrow and London Gatwick, the UK's two main international gateway airports. The policy was aimed at increasing Gatwick's utilisation to help the airport make a profit.
The "London Air Traffic Distribution Rules" stated that airlines that did not already operate an international scheduled air service from/to Heathrow prior to April 1, 1977 would not be permitted to commence operations at that airport. Instead, they would have to use Gatwick for all their London-based operations. However, airlines that did not already operate at Heathrow prior to this law taking effect could still commence domestic scheduled services at the airport provided that the BAA, which ran both Heathrow and Gatwick on behalf of the Government, as well as the incumbent Secretary of State for Transport granted them permission to do so. In addition, the "London Air Traffic Distribution Rules" banned all new all-cargo as well as all charter flights from Heathrow as of 1 April, 1978.
BA's response
The decision to open up Heathrow to all newcomers - other than those governed by Bermuda II - angered BA's then chairman, Lord King, who stopped British Airways' donations to the Conservative Party, which was in power in Britain at the time, in protest. Lord King was furthermore angered by the Civil Aviation Authority's subsequent decision to transfer two pairs of unused slots British Airways held at Tokyo's Narita International Airport to his archrival Virgin Atlantic to enable Virgin to increase its frequency between Heathrow and Tokyo from four to six weekly round-trips, thereby making it easier for Virgin to compete against British Airways in the highly lucrative business travel market. Lord King called the CAA's decision to transfer these slots to one of his rivals, which the Government had endorsed, "a confiscation of his company's property".
"Dirty tricks"
The Government's decision to abolish the "London Air Traffic Distribution Rules" and to let a small, upstart airline like Virgin Atlantic commence operations at Heathrow in direct competition with British Airways then became the main trigger for BA's so-called "dirty tricks" campaign against Virgin.
In 1992 BA's PR director David Burnside published an article in "BA News", British Airways' internal staff magazine, which argued that Branson's protestations against British Airways were merely a publicity stunt. Branson sued British Airways for libel. BA settled out of court when its lawyers unearthed evidence of the extraordinary lengths to which the company went to try to "kill off" Virgin. BA was faced with a legal bill of up to £3m, damages to Branson of £500,000 and a further £110,000 to his airline. Branson divided his £500,000 amongst his staff in the so-called "BA bonus", each receiving £166.
In the 1990s, Virgin Atlantic jets were painted with the words "No-Way BA/AA" in opposition to the attempted merger between British Airways and American Airlines [2].
In 1997, following British Airways' announcement that it was to remove the Union Flag from its tailfins in favour of world images, Virgin took advantage of the controversy provoked by introducing a union flag design on the winglets of its aircraft and changed the red dress on the "Scarlet Lady" on the nose of its aircraft to the union flag with the tag line "Britain's Flag Carrier". This was a "tongue-in-cheek" challenge to BA's traditional role as the UK's "flag carrier".
Relations with British Airways improved considerably with the arrival of Rod Eddington as BA CEO though the rivalry between the two airlines continued. Eddington replaced Robert Ayling, a key player in the "dirty tricks" affair who was dismissed by Lord Marshall, the long-serving BA chairman and Mr. Ayling's chief mentor, on behalf of BA's main institutional shareholders after BA had suffered its first net loss since privatisation on Mr. Ayling's watch during its 1999/2000 financial year.
In June 2006, a tip-off from Virgin Atlantic led US and UK competition authorities to investigate alleged price-fixing between Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. In August 2007, BA was fined a total of £271 million by the UK's Office of Fair Trading and the US Department of Justice over the allegations. Virgin Atlantic was not fined for its involvement in the price fixing as it was given immunity for reporting the cartel to regulators.
Destinations
Nearly 75% of Virgin's flights operate from London Heathrow, with the remainder operating from London Gatwick. There are some services from Manchester Airport and one flight from Glasgow International Airport.
Fleet
Virgin Atlantic's fleet is composed of both Airbus and Boeing aircraft with an average age of 6.7 years as of March 2008.[8] Boeing 747-400s are used on all routes from Gatwick and Manchester. Boeing 747s and Airbus A340s are used interchangeably on routes from Heathrow.
In addition to having some Airbus A340-600 aircraft still on order, Virgin Atlantic also has both Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A380-800 aircraft on order that will be delivered beginning in 2011 and 2013, respectively. Originally, the A380 was expected to enter service in 2006 but was delayed until 2009 because of problems within Airbus. Virgin then deferred its order to 2013, arguing that it wanted the aircraft to prove itself before it put its own A380s into operation.[9]
The 787 order was announced on April 24, 2007, and it included an order of fifteen 787-9s with options on eight more and purchase rights on twenty more. The aircraft will replace Virgin’s older A340-300s and will enable network growth.[10] Virgin has listed Rio de Janeiro, Seattle, Vancouver, Bangkok, and Melbourne as possible new destinations for the aircraft, while also stating that the 787’s long range would make non-stop operations from London to Perth, Australia and Honolulu, Hawaii economically viable for the first time in the airline’s history.[11] Virgin announced its intention to increase its 787 order to twenty-three on July 8, 2007, the day the 787 made its world debut, by converting its eight outstanding options into firm orders.[12]
Virgin is also in negotiations with both Boeing and Airbus over an order for ten high-capacity, fuel-efficient, long-haul, widebodied jets for the airline's Gatwick-based fleet. This could potentially be either a new order for the Boeing 747-8 or an order for additional Airbus A380-800s. The decision is expected in May 2008. Deliveries of the new fleet are to begin in 2012, in time for the 2012 London Olympics.[13]
Virgin’s aircraft are painted in a mainly red and silver livery that was introduced in October 2006 with the delivery of G-VRED, and will eventually adorn the entire fleet. Near the nose of each aircraft is a pinup girl motif designed by British artist Ken White, called a “Scarlet Lady”. White modeled the motif on the iconic World War II era pin-up girls of Alberto Vargas[citation needed]—hence the namimg of one of the fleet as Varga Girl. The motif was updated with the addition of the 1999 Silver livery. Each one carries a Union Flag and has a unique name. The names are usually feminine, such as Ladybird, Island Lady and Ruby Tuesday, but are sometimes named after destinations. A notable exception is The Spirit of Sir Freddie. It was named in honour of Freddie Laker of the defunct Laker Airways, who helped get Virgin Atlantic up and running following the demise of his own airline. G-VFAB, Lady Penelope, gained a special edition livery to celebrate Virgin Atlantic’s 21st birthday. The Scarlet Lady was moved to the rear of the aircraft, a Boeing 747-400, and the aircraft was temporarily renamed Birthday Girl.
On September 27, 2006, Richard Branson, on behalf of Virgin Atlantic Airways, announced plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by cutting down on aircraft weight and fuel consumption. There was also an experiment to have aircraft towed to the runway to save fuel, but this has not resulted in a change of operational procedures.[14]
Two Virgin Atlantic aircraft are featured briefly in the James Bond film, Casino Royale. One Airbus A340-600 (G-VWIN) and one Boeing 747-400-along with Richard Branson and Virgin Atlantic crew—are part of a scene at Miami International Airport (although the sequence was filmed at Ruzyně International Airport in Prague).[15]
In November 2007, the Spice Girls announced that Virgin Atlantic would be the airline partner for The Return of the Spice Girls world tour. A promotional plane-naming competition was held to name the Boeing 747-400 aircraft that the Spice Girls would travel on. In December 2007, G-VFAB was renamed Spice One.
Current
Virgin Atlantic’s fleet consists of the following aircraft as of August 2007:
Aircraft | Total | Passengers (Upper/Premium Economy/Economy) |
Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Airbus A340-300 | 6 | Suite 240 (34/35/171) J2000 255 (40/28/187) |
|
Airbus A340-600 | 19 (6 orders) (13 options) |
308 (45/38/225) | Deliveries: 2008-2009 |
Airbus A380-800 | (6 orders) (6 options) |
Entry into service: 2013 | |
Boeing 747-400 | 13 | LGW 1 452 (14/58/380) LGW 2 451 (14/58/379) LHR 344 (54/62/228) |
|
Boeing 787-9 | (15 orders) (8 options) |
Entry into service: 2011 Trent 1000 Engines[16] |
Retired
In the past, Virgin Atlantic has operated a variety of aircraft. Its retired fleet consists of:
Aircraft | Total | Notes |
---|---|---|
Airbus A320-200 | 4 | Operated for Virgin Sun Airlines |
Airbus A321-200 | 2 | Operated for Virgin Sun Airlines |
Airbus A340-300 | 4 | |
Boeing 737-400 | 1 | Leased from and operated by Air UK Leisure 1993/94 |
Boeing 747-100 | 1 | |
Boeing 747-200 | 14 | G-VIRG was Virgin's first aircraft |
Boeing 767-300ER | 1 | Leased from and operated by Martinair 1996/97 |
Vickers Viscount | 4 | Operated for Virgin by British Air Ferries |
Cabin
All Virgin Atlantic aircraft are in a three-class configuration with Economy, Premium Economy, and Upper Class cabins.
Economy
Economy is the standard coach class of Virgin Atlantic and has fairly standard amenities for a Legacy carrier, such as free meals and drinks and a free amenity kit. Seats have a maximum seat pitch of 81 cm (depending on the aircraft type). In addition, updated economy seats have adjustable lumbar support, and are currently being installed across Virgin Atlantic’s fleet.
Premium Economy
Premium Economy has a separate check-in area, priority boarding ahead of Economy passengers, a wider seat with more legroom than Economy, and additional cabin services such a preflight drink and dedicated cabin crew. As with Economy, in November 2006, Virgin launched an updated product with a wider seat that also supplies laptop power. It is being continually rolled out across the fleet starting with Heathrow-based A340 aircraft. As of February 2008 all A340s but one, G-VSUN, have the new product. G-VSUN will not have the new product until April 2008. The 747s based at Heathrow completed their refit by December 2007 and have an updated configuration of 62 seats all located downstairs.[17]
Upper Class
Upper Class is the equivalent of business class on all Virgin Atlantic Airways’ flights. Virgin does not offer a traditional First Class cabin service and Upper Class is denoted by the International Standard of Service class code J, meaning “Premium Business Class”.[18] The Upper Class seat is claimed by the airline to be the biggest fully flat bed compared with any other airline’s business class service (it is approximately 202 cm long and 84 cm wide), however Singapore Airlines has made a similar claim.[19] The seat offers in-seat laptop power and power leads for iPods and Upper Class passengers have access to a chauffeur, the clubhouse (lounge), a larger menu than that of Premium Economy and Economy passengers, an in-flight bar, and in-flight massages. All but one aircraft (G-VSUN) in Virgin Atlantic’s fleet have the Upper Class suite, and as with the new Premium Economy product, G-VSUN will not have the suite until 2008.[20]
In-flight entertainment
All Virgin Atlantic aircraft offer personal seat-back televisions that provide various entertainment channels. Certain aircraft (some 747-400s and all A340-600s) have an Audio/Video on Demand (AVOD) system called V:Port. Older "Odyssey" and "Nova" IFE systems can be found on various aircraft in the fleet. These have smaller screens and are constantly broadcasting audio and video on a loop rather than broadcasting on demand.
Incidents and accidents
- On 5 November, 1997, after numerous attempts to shake free the jammed main landing gear of an Airbus A340-300 G-VSKY failed, the aircraft made an emergency landing at London Heathrow Airport. The aircraft and the runway were damaged as the landing gear collapsed. The aircraft was evacuated safely causing only minor injuries.
- On 8 February, 2005, onboard an Airbus A340-600 aircraft (G-VATL) en route from Hong Kong to London, the fuel control computer system caused a loss of automatic fuel transfer between tanks. The left outboard engine lost power, and shortly after the right outboard engine also began to falter until the crew began crossfeeding fuel manually. The crew diverted to Amsterdam, where a safe landing was made. The interim accident report made 4 safety recommendations addressed to the primary certification bodies for large transport category aircraft (EASA and the FAA), advising on the need for a low fuel warning system for large aircraft. [21]
- On 15 July, 2006, G-VWKD (an Airbus A340-600), during take off at Hong Kong International Airport, suffered damage because of a tailstrike and was forced to dump fuel in Hong Kong airspace and return to the airport for repairs.
Slogans
Over the years, Virgin has used many slogans, including:
- "Mine's Bigger Than Yours"
Written on the back of the Airbus A340-600s because they are the longest passenger aircraft in the world
- "4 Engines 4 Longhaul"
Originally an Airbus slogan when newer versions of the A340 were built until Virgin inherited the slogan. These were written on the engines of planes, because all Virgin's planes at the time were quad-jets as opposed to BA's long haul twin-jet Boeing 777s and Boeing 767s. The slogan was removed in 2006 because it "had run its course and it was time to move on"—Virgin would later order Boeing 787 twin-jet aircrafts in 2007.
- "Avoid The Q"
Used to advertise Virgin's London to Hong Kong to Sydney service. The Q is a double entendre, referring to both queues (with Virgin's online check-in feature) and Qantas, which also operates the same route.
- "Keep Discovering - Until You Find The Best"
Used to promote the London to Dubai service, playing with rival airline Emirates' slogan 'Keep Discovering'
- "BA can't keep it [Concorde] up!"
Written on the back of G-VFOX during June and July of 2003 after British Airways announced it would retire Concorde the following October.
- "No Way BA/AA"
Used in the late 1990s on several 747-400s to express Branson's displeasure with the proposed British Airways/American Airlines partnership. BA/AA combined held 100% market share on several US-UK routes (e.g. Dallas-Fort Worth to London), and a market share of more than 50% in several more (e.g. Chicago to London, JFK to London).
Others Include: "More experience than the name suggests," "Virgin, seeks travel companion(s)," "Love at first flight," "You never forget your first time," "Extra inches where it counts," "Fly a younger fleet," "One call does it all," "Hello gorgeous" and, in a campaign featuring Austin Powers, "There's only one Virgin on this T-shirt (or bus, etc.) baby," and "Twice a day to London" in which Austin Powers is seen riding on the fuselage of a Virgin Atlantic 747. During that time G-VTOP was temporarily named "Austin Powered".
Further reading
- Gregory, Martyn. Dirty Tricks: British Airways' Secret War Against Virgin Atlantic. New York: Virgin, 2000. ISBN 0-7535-0458-8
- Bower, Tom. Branson. UK: Fourth Estate, 2001 ISBN 1-84115-400-8
- Branson, Richard (2006 [2nd reprint]). Losing my Virginity - The Autobiography. London, UK: Virgin Books Ltd. ISBN 0-7535-1020-0.
{{cite book}}
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(help)CS1 maint: year (link)
See also
- Virgin America
- Virgin Blue
- Virgin Express
- Virgin Galactic
- Virgin Nigeria Airways
- Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer
- V Australia
References
- ^ Operating Licence
- ^ a b "2006 UK Airline Statistics". UK CAA. Retrieved 2008-03-09.
- ^ "UK Airline Financial Tables: 2006 2007". UK CAA. Retrieved 2008-03-09.
- ^ West Sussex County Times, Friday, January 20, 1984 Page 1
- ^ "2003 UK Airline Statistics". UK CAA. Retrieved 2008-03-09.
- ^ "First biofuel flight touches down".
{{cite news}}
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suggested) (help) - ^ a b Losing my Virginity - The Autobiography., Branson, R., Virgin Books Ltd., London, 2006 (2nd reprint), p. 362
- ^ "Virgin Atlantic fleet". Planesregister.com. Retrieved 2008-03-10.
- ^ Goldstein, Steve (October 26, 2006). "Virgin Atlantic to delay A380 deliveries until 2013". Dow Jones MarketWatch. Retrieved 2006-10-26.
{{cite news}}
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(help) - ^ "Virgin Reveals Dreamliner order". Airliner World. June 2007. p. 4.
- ^ Virgin Atlantic Press Release dated 24 April 2007
- ^ http://observer.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,,2121039,00.html
- ^ AIRwise.com, 18 October, 2007 - Virgin Atlantic In Talks Over 10 Long-haul Planes
- ^ [1]
- ^ "James Bond Seeks Out Virgin Atlantic for "Casino Royale" Assignment," Virgin Atlantic press release, 4 July 2006.
- ^ Virgin selects Trent 1000 for 787s Flight Global, 03/03/08
- ^ Virgin Atlantic 744 seating configuration 4. Retrieved on October 20, 2007.
- ^ Expedia Travel Manager Resource Center
- ^ Singapore Airlines "The largest full-flat bed in Business Class"
- ^ http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/whatsonboard/upperclass/upperclasstonairobi.jsp
- ^ "Airbus A340-642, G-VATL". UK AAIB. Retrieved 2007-07-26.